OBJECTIVE: Stroke unit care is highly recommended after stroke, but patients in these units are often physically inactive. The aim of this study was to explore patient experiences of physical activity and inactivity in the stroke unit.
DESIGN: Qualitative interview study.
SUBJECTS: Sixteen participants with stroke; a heterogeneous sample with differences in sex, age, and stroke severity from 8 Swedish stroke units.
METHODS: In-depth interviews 1-2 weeks after discharge analysed using thematic analysis.
RESULTS: The analysis resulted in three themes: 1: Dealing with the challenges of a changed body while striving to become independent; 2: The stroke unit is crucial for physical activity; and 3: Physical activity is important for interaction with others, autonomy, and feeling seen. Participants described how they coped with a new situation when finding new ways to move and function. In addition, they wanted to be involved in their own stroke rehabilitation.
CONCLUSION: The participants expressed the following experiences of being in the stroke unit: movement is more important than physical activity and involves being seen and respected; physical activity and exercise are necessary to achieve independence; process involvement is of importance to regain abilities; physical activity offers the possibility of choosing between community and being alone and influences the ability to connect with others and the outside world.